U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAMES MOORE, JR., age 47, of Talisheek, Louisiana, was charged today in a five-count Indictment with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), respectively.

According to previously filed court documents, beginning in January 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted numerous controlled purchases of methamphetamine from MOORE. Their investigation further revealed MOORE to be in possession of numerous firearms. On August 29, 2016, several search warrants were executed and MOORE was arrested by the FBI.

If convicted of Counts 1-3, Distribution of Methamphetamine, MOORE faces a maximum penalty of up to twenty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a five year term of supervised release.

If convicted of Count 4, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, MOORE faces a minimum of five years to forty years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and a five year term of supervised release.

If convicted of Count 5, Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, MOORE faces a minimum of five years to life imprisonment (to be served consecutive to any other imposed terms of imprisonment), a $250,000 fine, and a three year term of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Division JTTF for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy is in charge of the prosecution.